Howard has family ties with her new business

Published Thursday, May 8, 2008

By Denny Deady

Melissa Howard has an appreciation for history, especially the history of the building on the west side of the Decatur square where her business is housed.

But she didn't know until recently that she is a part of that history.

Howard is the new owner of Floors & More, purchasing the business from Jerry and Pam Stanfield. She and her staff are hosting a grand opening of the store on May 9 with door prizes and refreshments. Discounts on flooring will be offered.

In a history of the square published by Decatur Main Street, the Floors & More building is known as the Bellah Building. A.E. Allen purchased the lot in 1860 and it became part of Howell & Allen General Store. After a fire in 1917, Sam Bellah constructed a building and moved his dry goods store there. He sold the business in 1920 to J.J. Rieger. Rieger transferred his business to the site in 1937. Rieger Dry Goods operated there until 1965.

When Howard's aunt was visiting recently, she recalled that her grandparents ran a store on the west side of the square.

"My mom and I checked. My great-grandmother was born Dec. 28, 1902, and J. J. Rieger signed her birth certificate," said Howard.

On the birth certificate is Rieger's signature below "witness to the birth of Opal Madge Garner."

Newspaper ads at the time for Rieger's Dry Goods said, "G.W. Garner says come into our store."

"I'm tied to this building," said Howard.

The original tin ceiling in the store is still in mint condition. The large display windows on either side of the entry are typical for the era when the store was built. Another nostalgic feature is the mirrored column outside the front door.

The Main Street history noted the column "has provided the passing citizenry with a quick glance at their appearance."

With so much history surrounding her, Howard is ready to make a little history of her own.

"I've been decorating for 20 years for family and friends and have dreamed of owning my own store," said Howard. "Last February, Jerry called and said he wanted to retire. I was the first person he thought of to buy his business."

Howard worked with Stanfield for several months to learn how he ran the successful business, founded in 1995. The store has grown from offering antiques to home furnishings, artwork, accessories and floor covering.

"I have put my personal touch on the store," said Howard. "We have the latest in floor covering. We offer everything for the home, including light fixtures, granite countertops and complete decorating services. We can come into your home, determine your needs and order custom pieces. We offer free estimates on in-home consultation on floor coverings, and we can help with paint selection. Basically, we can help with everything."

The store's 4,000-square-foot showroom offers a sampling of what is available, but the heart of the business is the staff, with a combined 102 years experience. Howard, the daughter of Charles and Kay Rouse of Decatur, is helped in the store by her parents. Her grandparents are Earney and Zelma Loudermilk, also of Decatur.

Nancy McKenzie is store coordinator. She has more than 30 years experience in decorating and according to Howard, "keeps the store looking good."

Interior designer Dene Dial also has more than 30 years experience. Her specialty is window treatments. Ron Counts has installed carpet for 12 years and Ed Lawrence has been in the floor business for more than 40 years. Other installers are also on staff.

Howard says shopping in the historic store is "like the good old days, with the same friendly customer service."